Honoring Hockessin Athletic Club’s (HAC’s) History While Looking Ahead

Jamie Cleman, Contributing Writer | Delaware Live

Leadership at Hockessin Athletic Club is entering a new era, guided by two familiar faces who have spent much of their careers shaping the culture of the club from the inside out.

For sixteen years, former General Manager John Peoples believed in leadership that worked quietly and effectively behind the scenes. He steered HAC through major economic and public health challenges and built a foundation centered on collaboration, empathy, and respect. As he prepared for retirement in early 2024, Peoples made a key decision. With eighteen departments to oversee, he felt the future success of HAC would be best served by dividing the general manager role into two positions rather than placing responsibility on one set of shoulders.

In March 2024, after a thorough internal search, two long-time employees stepped forward. Jordan Biscoe, formerly the Customer Service Director, was promoted to General Manager, and long-time Sports Director Dave Mulvena was named Assistant General Manager.

“The club’s in great hands with Jordan and Dave,” says Bob Carpenter, HAC owner and operator. “I’m happy to have filled the GM and AGM positions from our ranks.”

Their story with HAC began long before they moved into leadership roles. Both men started at Pike Creek Fitness Club, where Dave coached youth sports beginning in 2004 and Jordan joined the front desk team in 2005. Hockessin Athletic Club was still in development at that time and would not open until June 2007.

Now, with a combined 41 years of experience, Jordan and Dave say their goal is to keep HAC rooted in the community while responding to what members need today. They call it two roles with one mission.

Dave focuses on youth services, including the YES Program, childcare, and swim lessons. Jordan oversees financial operations along with departments such as group fitness, facilities, and membership. The division of duties has helped streamline communication and improve customer service by ensuring that a senior leader is almost always present in the building.

“I’d be ripping my hair out without Dave’s help,” Jordan says.

Both leaders credit years of daily interaction with members for shaping their approach.

“I know the members’ expectations,” Dave says. “They are comfortable coming to me and offering feedback on the club and their experience here.”

“Somebody’s made that commitment to us to be here,” Jordan adds. “We want to make sure that they’re happy with that decision and they’re getting that value out of it.”

Jordan says the past year and a half has been a time of transformation, thanks to a veteran team of directors who bring new ideas to the table. Together, the leadership group has launched and expanded initiatives across multiple departments, building on the club’s long-standing strengths while looking to the future.

More developments are planned as Jordan and Dave continue guiding HAC through its next chapter, focused on honoring the club’s past while shaping what comes next for members and families.